“Your past will find you out”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Sunday, August 4, 2024

2 Samuel 11: 26 – 12: 13a (Forward, p. 6) CEV p. 325

There is something that all too many public figures have discovered, much to their sorrow and their chagrin, and that is that one’s past is invariably bound to catch up with you. Your past will almost surely ‘find you out.’

David, in his adultery with Bathsheba and his subsequent attempt as a coverup, thought that he had a foolproof crime. No one would know the difference, and he could get off ‘Scot free’. But the Lord knew and so held him accountable. And what a sad accountability that would be. Though God spared David’s own life, he still reaped some terrible consequences:

-his infant son, the newly born son of this adulterous union would die.

-his family would never again be at peace.

-someone from his own family would rise up against him.

-his own wives would be given to another in broad daylight.

While what David did was in secret, all of this would be for all the world to know.

And here, it is of special note what God enumerates as David’s sin. It is not what one would immediately think:

-God had given him so much, and would have given him even more,

yet this is how David responds! It is a sin of ingratitude, of taking

God’s provision and graciousness for granted, of taking it in vain.

-Furthermore, the adultery and murder were acts of disobedience.

Basically, God says, David didn’t care what God wanted or said.

-And, not only this, but it is an insult to God and a negative reflection

upon Him. Because of this, God’s enemies will think less of Him and

slander His name.

So, what this says to me is that God takes our conduct very seriously, and whether words or actions, will hold us accountable for them. And so, it is even more reason to attend to God’s word, so that we might know God’s will and commands, and carry them out. Thanks be to God.

Forward notes: “Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, ‘As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.’ Nathan said to David, “You are the man!’” (verses 5-7a)

“When Nathan tells the story of the rich man slaughtering his poor neighbor’s lamb, David is incensed. He lashes out before realizing that the parable is about him. David, the powerful king, had arranged for his loyal soldier, Uriah, to be struck down in battle so that he could take Bathsheba as his wife.

“History gives many examples of people going to great lengths to cover up their crimes. Already, David had committed a grave sin by sleeping with Uriah’s wife. Rather than repent, he sent Uriah to the frontlines to face certain death. It is hard to feel sorry for David when God exacts punishment. While my sins may not change the course of history, when I covet my neighbor’s possessions, it displeases the Lord. Before I judge another’s sin, I should examine my own heart.”

Moving Forward: “Rather than judging the sins of others, how might you reflect on your own sins today?”